A drive by the Hawke's Bay Multicultural Association to break down barriers and vaccinate the region's ethnic communities is gaining traction, with a second vaccination clinic to be held this weekend. 

Sukhdeep Singh, President of the Multicultural Association Hawkes Bay Inc, says misinformation, and fear, as well as language and transport barriers, are big reasons why Hawke's Bay's ethnic communities aren't getting the jab. 

"There are a lot of barriers when it comes to the ethnic communities getting the vaccination," Mr Singh says. "We also see people feel a little bit hesitant to go to their pharmacy or hospital because they don't have the support which we are providing like interpreters.

"Having a space where they know, and where they can come and feel confident they will get the right support from their own community leaders and interpreters is important and the reason why we are doing this." 

Their first clinic, held last Sunday at the Shri Ravidass Temple in Hastings, was "very successful" with 120 people receiving their first, and in some cases, second dose, of the Pfizer vaccine in the space of four hours. 

Mr Singh says they could not believe the turnout and from the feedback, he has received, he says people have been waiting for "something like this to happen".

"Some people told me afterwards; thank you very much for doing this, we are getting our first vaccination and we were just waiting for something like this to happen so we can come and get the vaccination, I can't speak English and I feel I don't want to go to the hospital or my doctor or my clinic.

"That was good evidence for me that this model is working and that's the reason we are really pushing it." 

The clinics are being held in collaboration with Hawke's Bay District Health Board and Health Hawke's Bay. Another vaccination clinic will be held on Sunday, October 10 at the Taradale Clubs, and they are not ruling out holding more in the future. 

Already, an information session is planned for this Friday at the Hastings Mosque followed by a vaccination clinic next Friday, October 15 to coincide with their prayers.

"Our Muslim community and brothers and sisters come to the mosque on that day so they are able to come and get their vaccinations after their prayers. and we are hoping that the information session will answer any questions they may have so we are able to get a really good vaccination clinic next Friday."

Getting vaccinated is of personal importance to Mr Singh, who, like many people, hasn't seen his family in India for more than two years. 

"Some people are saying to me that they want to get the vaccination as soon as possible so that we can go back to our countries and back to our families like my family is in India and I really want to see the borders open and that can only be possible if people are vaccinated." 

"I can’t stress enough how important it is to get vaccinated so that we can fight stronger as a community against the pandemic. MCA is here to help and support you to make sure you and your family get the vaccination." 

Anyone aged 12 and over is eligible to get a free vaccination, and no appointment is necessary.

"We shall be having interpreters at the clinics, and we are happy to provide free transportation if needed on request - if you do not have your vaccination yet, this is the best opportunity for you and your family to get vaccinated." 

The COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held on Sunday, October 10 at the Taradale Clubs - 55 Wharerangi Road, Taradale between 10am and 2pm.

Another vaccination clinic will be held on Friday, October 15 at the Hawkes Bay Baitul Mokarram Masjid & Islamic Center Trust 718 Heretaunga Street East, Parkvale, Hastings. 

If you have any questions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine you can talk to your GP or call the COVID-19 vaccination line free on 0800 28 29 26. 

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/multicultruralassociationhawkesbay

For more free local news head to www.hbapp.co.nz

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